Gosney & Kallman’s CHINATOWN opens in Shanghai
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(Shanghai, September 22, 2009) - The curtain has risen on Shanghai’s most anticipated entertainment emporium, Gosney & Kallman’s CHINATOWN. Reigniting the fun and fantasy of Shanghai’s high-kicking 1930s heyday, CHINATOWN presents an intoxicating mix of Cabaret, Vaudeville and Broadway live variety floorshows, stunning showgirls, extravagant costumes and high-class tipples in a lavish Nouveau Victorian former temple.
CHINATOWN Shanghai is the latest creation by international entertainment veteran Norman Gosney and dancer/actress Amelia Kallman. British-born Gosney is credited with transforming nightlife in New York and L.A. over the past 25 years by rekindling the thrill of live variety performance at his world famous clubs, including The Slipper Room, Show and The Blushing Diamond Revue. The pair will bring the same formula to Shanghai, which is fast regaining its crown as one of the world’s hippest cities.
CHINATOWN will be “like stepping into a Hollywood movie that is set in pre-war Shanghai,” says Gosney. It will not only add a welcome dose of diversity to Shanghai’s nightlife scene, but is destined to become a must-see Shanghai attraction and one of the most memorable nightlife and event venues in the world.
The Venue
CHINATOWN occupies an extraordinary piece of Shanghai’s architectural heritage - a 1931 Buddhist shrine in atmospheric Hongkou District, just three blocks from Shanghai’s famous Bund waterfront. The structure’s elaborately arched ceiling and original Hindu exterior detailing seem perfectly suited to its present incarnation as a unique music hall. Its interiors shimmer in rich ruby tones and dark woods, with brilliant gold balconies and velvet draperies.
The three-storey club seats around 200 people, making it big enough for extravagant stage productions yet small enough to feel intimate and allow interaction between the performers and audience. The first level hosts the stage, with tiered banquettes and low tables, plus a main bar. The balcony level comprises seven exclusive boxes for four to 12 people each, with privileged views of the stage or curtains that you can close for private gatherings. These are serviced by a balcony bar, as well as liquor cabinets in each suite featuring premium spirits. On the third level, under a sloping roof, is a cosy, invitation-only Observatory Bar, looking right over the stage.
CHINATOWN boasts a unique audio profile. It is the first club in China to feature the world’s most cutting-edge sound system, specifically designed for the venue and sponsored by Sennheiser Microphones and K Array Audio Solutions. Coupled with an exceptional lighting and AVl configuration, the venue will not only come magically alive during evening performances, but is also generating attention and bookings for feature film shoots, runway shows, private concerts, and corporate events.
The Show
Vivacious dance and variety performances are held every Wednesday through Saturday at timely intervals throughout the evening. Choreographed by Matt Mohr, New York’s premier producer of Off Broadway and Burlesque theatre, the show combines Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, Neo-Vaudeville, Broadway and Classic Vegas performed by a chorus line of extravagantly costumed showgirls. There are also flamboyant musicians and specialty acts from around the world, including The Twins from Shanghai.
Headlining the evening show is star singer Frank Bray, described by Gosney as “the Number One lounge singer in the world today, who can sing, dance and charm any audience.” The show will be predominantly in English but with witty cross-cultural references that will amuse and delight all audiences. In the performance intervals, there will be cigarette girls, dessert trolleys and people selling hot dogs to the second floor boxes on stilts.
The Menu
Complementing the dazzling stage spectacle is a stellar drinks and food menu. CHINATOWN’s beverage range is diverse: the club works with nearly every major liquor supplier in Shanghai, including six boutique Champagne houses. “The boutique Champagne labels give our guests added social currency and new experiences,” says Managing Director and Co-Owner Tim Clark.
Bringing a new level of bartending to Shanghai is award-winning Bar Manager George Nemec from Australia. Nemec - who was ‘Australian Bartender of the Year 2004’ - has extensive experience at top bars in Sydney and Prague, including Sydney’s Beresford Hotel and Hemmesphere. He also won ‘Best Cocktail List in Australia 2007’ for his selection at The Lincoln, Sydney. Nemec and New Zealand mixology consultant Jacob Prain have created a range of signature cocktails for CHINATOWN.
Shanghainese CJ Wang will head up the third-floor VIP Observatory Bar. Trained in Japanese-style cocktail making at Shanghai’s Constellation Bar, Wang’s cocktails are meticulous poured using hand-chipped double frozen ice. Accompanying the drinks is a food menu of hearty bar bites and gourmet party platters.
The Possibilities
CHINATOWN is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday evenings, with Sundays to Tuesdays kept free for private concerts and functions. The venue is already in high demand with event organisers looking for a unique space that captures the spirit of Shanghai, not to mention provides cutting-edge audio and lighting systems, in-house technical and production teams, and full catering services.
“CHINATOWN is perfect for showcases, corporate and Expo events, and brilliantly themed parties, while also providing a dramatic backdrop for feature films, runway shows and product launches,” says CHINATOWN Co-Owner and General Manager Anna Patterson, a respected event producer with 16 years’ experience coordinating top-level corporate events in Australia and China. Its top-of-the-range sound system and venue size makes it ideal for private concerts too, and celebrity artist showcases.
Glittering, sexy and totally enthralling, CHINATOWN is a sparkling new gem in Shanghai’s nightlife crown.
CHINATOWN is located at 471 Zhapu Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China.
Reservation: +86 21 6258 2078
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